Oh, Who Are They, So Pure?

 

For Christmas

 

Words: W. J. Irons

Music: Edgar Pettman

 

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 34, p. 45.

 

1. Oh, who are they, so pure and bright
Before the throne arrayed in white?
They stand, serene, and calm and fair,
As conscious of high welcome there.

 

2. That starry crown around their brow,
It tells of sacred glory now;
Blest virgin-souls who, “faultless,” come
From font of glace – or martyrdom.

 

3. “And in their mouth is found no guile,”
God's “Holy Innocents” who smile
Shines purer, from their knowing not
Upon their souls sin's conscious blot.

 

4. Lo, these are they, the undefiled
The child-like saint – the saint like child –
Marked with Christ's cross or earth's dark frown,
But wearing there that starry crown.

 

5. O help us, Savious, by Thy grace
Near Thee to win that heavenly place;
Now following where Thy foot steps trod,
“The pure and Holy sons of God.”

 

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 34, p. 45.

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